Overview
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 takes a different approach to dry herb consumption. Unlike traditional vaporizers that heat material below combustion temperatures, the Smoker V3 is an electric pipe. It uses high heat (950-1094F) to ignite dry herb, giving you a lighter-free smoking experience.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
APX Smoker V3 (Black)
Testing Period
8 days of use
Heat Range
950-1094F combustion
Sessions
15+ smoking sessions
Battery Life
1100mAh capacity
Features Tested
Hands-free mode, stir stick
This distinction matters. The APX Smoker V3 produces smoke through combustion, not vapor through controlled heating. If you prefer the traditional smoking experience but want to ditch butane lighters, the Smoker V3 is a modern, convenient option.
The V3 brings big upgrades over earlier versions: a redesigned body, larger chamber, hands-free mode, USB-C charging, and a built-in stir stick.
Design & Build Quality
The APX Smoker V3 has an ergonomic design that feels natural in hand. At 81 x 31 x 23mm, it's compact enough for pocket carry while still giving you enough surface area for a comfortable grip during use.
Body Construction
The PC + ABS chassis is durable and lightweight. The material resists heat transfer well, keeping the exterior comfortable even during longer sessions. You can pick from multiple colors and limited edition designs (including Wood Grain and High Times editions) to match your style.
Zirconia Mouthpiece
The redesigned zirconia mouthpiece stands out. Zirconia ceramic:
- Delivers pure flavor without metallic interference
- Resists breakage better than glass
- Stays cooler than metal mouthpieces
- Provides comfortable lip contact
The V3's ergonomic mouthpiece shape is a step up from 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 V3 display is brighter and clearly visible in various lighting conditions.
Features
Electric Heating System
The APX Smoker V3's main innovation is its electric heating element:
- Heats to 950-1094F in about 7 seconds
- Self-cleaning ceramic power pad
- Continuous voltage output at 3.7V
- No more lighters or matches
Load the chamber, press the button, and draw when heated. That's it.
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 works great for group sessions or when you just want to relax.
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:
- About 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 quick. Press and hold (or activate hands-free mode), and the chamber reaches ignition temperature fast. The heat indicator on the display signals when you're ready.
Combustion Quality
As an electric pipe rather than a concentrate vape, 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 is fundamentally different from vaporization.
Chamber Capacity
The V3's larger chamber (compared to previous versions) accommodates more material:
- About 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 the 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 does a great job modernizing the traditional pipe experience. By replacing butane with electric heating, it offers reliable ignition regardless of wind, altitude, or whether your lighter is dead. The quartz-lined chamber and zirconia mouthpiece deliver cleaner flavor than basic metal pipes.
Just know what you're buying. This is an electric pipe, not a vaporizer. 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. Features like hands-free mode, digital display, and USB-C charging justify the price over simpler alternatives.
Related: Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Manual