Overview
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 represents a unique approach to dry herb consumption. Unlike traditional vaporizers that heat material below combustion temperatures, the Smoker V3 is an electric pipe that uses high heat (950-1094F) to ignite dry herb - providing a lighter-free smoking experience.
This distinction is important: the APX Smoker V3 produces smoke through combustion, not vapor through controlled heating. For users who prefer the traditional smoking experience but want to eliminate butane lighters, the Smoker V3 offers a modern, convenient solution.
The V3 generation brings significant upgrades over its predecessors, including a redesigned body, larger chamber, hands-free mode, USB-C charging, and a built-in stir stick.
Design & Build Quality
The APX Smoker V3 features an ergonomic design that feels natural in hand. At 81 x 31 x 23mm, it's compact enough for pocket carry while providing enough surface area for comfortable grip during use.
Body Construction
The PC + ABS chassis provides durability while remaining lightweight. The material resists heat transfer well, keeping the exterior comfortable even during extended sessions. Multiple color options and limited edition designs (including Wood Grain and High Times editions) allow personal expression.
Zirconia Mouthpiece
The redesigned zirconia mouthpiece is a standout feature. Zirconia ceramic:
- Delivers pure flavor without metallic interference
- Resists breakage better than glass
- Stays cooler than metal mouthpieces
- Provides comfortable lip contact
The ergonomic shape of the V3 mouthpiece improves upon previous generations.
Quartz-Lined Chamber
The removable, quartz-lined chamber ensures clean flavor delivery:
- Quartz heating surface for pure taste
- Easy removal for cleaning
- Self-cleaning ceramic power pad
- Larger capacity than V2
Digital Display
The front-facing digital display shows:
- Battery life percentage
- Heat indicator status
- Active heating notification
The brighter V3 display is clearly visible in various lighting conditions.
Features
Electric Heating System
The APX Smoker V3's core innovation is its electric heating element:
- Heats to 950-1094F in approximately 7 seconds
- Self-cleaning ceramic power pad
- Continuous voltage output at 3.7V
- Eliminates need for lighters or matches
Simply load the chamber, press the button, and draw when heated.
2-Click Hands-Free Mode
New to the V3, hands-free mode provides continuous heating:
- With device on, double-click the power button
- Heating activates automatically
- Draw without holding any buttons
- Click again to deactivate
This feature is particularly useful for group sessions or relaxed solo use.
Built-In Stir Stick
The integrated stir stick eliminates the need for external tools:
- Stores conveniently on the device
- Helps redistribute material mid-session
- Promotes even burning
- Extends session effectiveness
Auto Shutoff Safety
The 5-minute auto shutoff feature:
- Prevents accidental battery drain
- Provides safety against unattended heating
- Activates automatically after inactivity
Battery & Charging
The 1100mAh battery provides:
- Approximately 1.5 hours of use per charge
- USB-C fast charging
- Battery level display on screen
Performance
Heating Speed
The 7-second heat-up time is impressively quick. Press and hold (or activate hands-free mode), and the chamber reaches ignition temperature rapidly. The heat indicator on the display signals when you're ready.
Combustion Quality
As an electric pipe rather than a vaporizer, the Smoker V3 produces combustion:
- Material ignites and smokes
- Draw activates like a traditional pipe
- Produces smoke, not vapor
- Effects similar to traditional smoking
The quartz-lined chamber and zirconia mouthpiece help deliver cleaner flavor than typical metal pipes, though the experience differs fundamentally from vaporization.
Chamber Capacity
The V3's larger chamber (compared to previous versions) accommodates more material:
- Approximately 0.3-0.4g capacity
- Suitable for multiple draws
- Use stir stick to expose fresh material
- Complete session before reloading
Battery Life in Practice
The 1100mAh battery delivers:
- Light users: Multiple days between charges
- Moderate users: Full day of use
- Heavy users: May need evening recharge
USB-C fast charging minimizes downtime.
Important Distinction: Smoking vs. Vaporizing
The APX Smoker V3 is fundamentally different from vaporizers:
| Aspect | APX Smoker V3 (Pipe) | Vaporizers |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 950-1094F | 320-430F typically |
| Process | Combustion | Vaporization |
| Output | Smoke | Vapor |
| Material State | Burns/ashes | Browns, doesn't burn |
Why This Matters:
- Smoke contains combustion byproducts
- Vaporization is generally considered less harmful
- Different experience and effects
- Personal preference determines best choice
The Smoker V3 is for users who prefer the traditional smoking experience but want the convenience of electric heating.
Who Is This For?
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 is ideal for:
- Traditional pipe smokers seeking butane-free convenience
- Users who prefer smoking over vaporization
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want weather-proof ignition
- Those tired of lighters running out or failing in wind
- Users seeking cleaner-tasting pipes than metal alternatives
It may not be ideal for:
- Users seeking vaporization (consider APX Pro instead)
- Health-conscious users preferring lower-temperature methods
- Flavor purists who want terpene-preserving low temps
- Those unfamiliar with smoking who expect vapor-like smoothness
The Bottom Line
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 successfully modernizes the traditional pipe experience. By replacing butane with electric heating, it offers reliable ignition regardless of wind, altitude, or lighter availability. The quartz-lined chamber and zirconia mouthpiece deliver cleaner flavor than basic metal pipes.
However, understanding what this device is - an electric pipe, not a vaporizer - is essential before purchase. The high temperatures produce combustion and smoke, not controlled vaporization. For users who enjoy traditional smoking but want modern convenience, the Smoker V3 delivers.
At $45, it's an affordable entry into electric pipe technology, with features like hands-free mode, digital display, and USB-C charging that justify the price over simpler alternatives.
Related: Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Manual