Overview
The Pulsar APX Volt V3 is the third generation of one of the more popular budget concentrate pens out there. Pulsar kept what worked: quartz coil-less heating for better flavor, variable voltage, and a compact size. They also added USB-C and improved the LED display.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
APX Volt V3 (Black)
Testing Period
10 days of use
Voltages Tested
2.5V, 2.8V, 3.2V, 3.7V
Concentrates Used
Wax, shatter, live resin
Atomizer
Quartz coil-less cup
Features Tested
Hands-free mode, heat-up
At 3.5 inches tall with a 1100mAh battery, it's small enough to actually pocket. The quartz cup atomizer heats your concentrates without that metallic taste you get from coil-based systems. It's one of the best wax pens in its price range.
If you want good flavor without spending $100+, the APX Volt V3 gets the job done for under $50.
Design & Build Quality
Simple pen-style design. Aluminum body, feels solid, nothing flashy. It works.
Form Factor
At 3.5 inches, this thing actually fits in your pocket. Not like those bulky concentrate devices that print through your jeans. You can use it discreetly without looking like you're holding a flashlight.
Enhanced LED Display
The V3 added a better LED display. You can actually see which voltage you're on now, which was a common complaint with older versions.
Build Materials
Pulsar didn't cheap out on materials:
- Aluminum body for durability and heat dissipation
- Pure quartz atomizer cup
- Medical-grade silicone seals
- Quality button mechanism with satisfying click
Atomizer Design
The quartz cup is the main reason to buy this wax pen. Traditional coil atomizers put metal heating elements directly against your concentrates. The quartz cup gives you:
- Even heat distribution across the entire surface
- No metallic taste
- Easier cleaning than coil systems
- More durable than fragile coils
Features
Four Voltage Settings
Four preset voltages, three clicks to cycle through them:
| Voltage | Best For | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5V | Maximum flavor | Light vapor, terpene preservation |
| 2.8V | Balanced low-temp | Good flavor, moderate vapor |
| 3.2V | Balanced high-temp | Reduced flavor, increased vapor |
| 3.7V | Maximum vapor | Dense clouds, intense effects |
The LED shows which setting you're on.
Pure Quartz Coil-less Cup
This is what makes the V3 worth buying.
Flavor Benefits:
- No metallic taste from coils
- Pure terpene expression
- Clean, smooth vapor
Practical Benefits:
- Even heating prevents hot spots
- No coils to burn out or replace
- Easy to clean with cotton swabs
- Durable quartz construction
2-Click Hands-Free Mode
Don't want to hold the button while you draw? Double-click and the V3 heats continuously until you click again. Useful for passing around or taking longer draws without finger fatigue.
Fast Heat-Up
Five seconds to temperature. That's quick. Less waiting, and less heat loss before you start drawing.
USB-C Charging
Finally, USB-C. Faster charging, reversible connector, and you probably already have a cable nearby.
Performance
Flavor Quality
The quartz cup punches above its price. At 2.5V with quality live resin, we could pick out terpene notes that coil-based pens usually flatten. No metal touching your concentrates means nothing gets between you and the actual flavor.
If you're spending money on good extracts, you should probably taste them. The V3 lets you do that.
Vapor Production
Not a cloud machine. At 3.7V you'll get respectable vapor and strong effects, but if blowing massive clouds is your main goal, look at something more powerful.
The vapor is smooth though. No burnt taste, even at higher settings. The quartz doesn't scorch your concentrates like overheated coils do.
Temperature Control in Practice
The four settings actually feel different:
- 2.5V: Light vapor, best flavor. Save this for premium stuff.
- 2.8V: The sweet spot. Good flavor with visible vapor.
- 3.2V: More vapor, flavor takes a hit but still acceptable.
- 3.7V: Maximum output. Effects over flavor.
We used 2.8V most of the time, dropped to 2.5V for anything high-quality, and bumped to 3.2V when we wanted stronger effects.
Battery Life
The 1100mAh battery holds up for most people:
- Light users (2-4 sessions daily): 2-3 days per charge
- Moderate users (5-8 sessions daily): Full day of use
- Heavy users: Might need a top-up by evening
USB-C charging is fast, so even if you run low, you won't wait long.
Heat-Up Speed
Five seconds from button press to ready. Quick enough that you're not standing around waiting, and quick enough that heat isn't escaping before you draw.
Who Is This For?
Good fit if you:
- Care more about flavor than big clouds
- Want a daily driver that won't break
- Don't want to spend over $50
- Are new to concentrate vaping
- Need something that actually fits in a pocket
Probably not for you if you:
- Want maximum vapor production
- Go through concentrates fast and need bigger battery
- Want water filtration attachments
- Need precise temperature control by the degree
The Bottom Line
The Pulsar APX Volt V3 does what it promises: good flavor from concentrates without costing much. The quartz cup tastes better than coil-based pens at twice the price. Four voltages give you options, USB-C charging is convenient, and it fits in your pocket.
Under $50 for a concentrate pen that actually lets you taste your extracts. That's a solid deal.
Related: Pulsar APX Volt V3 Manual