Overview
The Vessel Pipe represents one of the most daring design experiments in the 510 battery market. While competitors focus on pen-style sleekness or box mod compactness, Vessel has crafted something entirely different: a 510 battery that pays homage to the classic tobacco pipe while delivering modern vaping performance.
Priced at $65, the Pipe sits at the premium end of Vessel's lineup, targeting users who view vaping as an experience worth savoring rather than a quick nicotine delivery method. It's designed for the discerning user who appreciates craftsmanship, conversation pieces, and the meditative quality of a well-designed smoking ritual.
The result is a device that looks like it belongs in a gentleman's study or a sophisticated lounge, not a vape shop display case. Whether that appeals to you or not will largely determine if the Pipe deserves a place in your collection.
Design & Build Quality
The Vessel Pipe's design is its defining characteristic, and Vessel has executed it with remarkable attention to detail. The pipe-style form factor features a curved body that fits naturally in your hand, a bowl-shaped cartridge housing, and a stem that feels substantial without being unwieldy.
Form Factor and Dimensions
At 4.5 inches in length with a height of 1.8 inches and width of 1.2 inches, the Pipe is significantly larger than pen-style batteries. The 58-gram weight gives it presence and substance—this device feels like quality the moment you pick it up. The weight distribution is well-balanced, preventing the device from feeling nose-heavy even with a full cartridge attached.
Materials and Finish
True to Vessel's premium positioning, the Pipe is constructed from high-quality metal alloys with a refined finish. The four available colors each offer distinct personalities:
- Black - Classic sophistication, pairs with any cartridge
- Emerald - Rich green with subtle depth, surprisingly versatile
- Maritime - Deep blue reminiscent of nautical themes
- Gunmetal - Industrial elegance with a matte gray finish
The finish quality is exceptional. After weeks of daily handling, our test unit showed minimal signs of wear. The surface resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, and the matte-adjacent texture provides secure grip without feeling rough.
Ergonomics
Where pen-style batteries require a cigarette-like grip, the Pipe encourages a more relaxed hold. The curved body nestles into your palm, with your index finger naturally finding the activation button. This grip feels more stable and comfortable during extended sessions, particularly when compared to thin pen batteries that can cause finger fatigue.
The stem angle has been carefully considered. When drawing from the mouthpiece, the Pipe doesn't obscure your vision or require awkward head positioning. It's clear Vessel studied actual pipe ergonomics before finalizing this design.
Features
Four-Stage Voltage Control
The Pipe inherits Vessel's proven four-voltage system, offering precise control over your vaping experience:
- 2.4V - Ultra-low temperature for maximum flavor preservation
- 2.8V - Smooth vapor with excellent terpene expression
- 3.2V - Balanced performance for everyday use
- 3.6V - Maximum vapor production for thicker concentrates
This voltage range demonstrates Vessel's flavor-first philosophy. The 2.4V setting is particularly valuable for live resin and high-quality distillate cartridges where terpene preservation matters. Many competitors start at 2.8V or higher, sacrificing flavor for vapor density.
LED Indicator System
The LED indicator is subtly integrated into the design, avoiding the flashy light shows that plague many vape batteries. Status information is communicated clearly without disrupting the Pipe's refined aesthetic. The LED indicates:
- Power on/off confirmation
- Current voltage setting
- Battery level status
- Charging progress
Button Activation
The Pipe uses button activation rather than draw-activation. The button placement on the side of the device falls naturally under your finger, and the tactile click provides satisfying feedback. Five clicks power on/off, three clicks cycle voltage settings—standard Vessel protocol.
510 Threading and Cartridge Compatibility
The bowl-shaped cartridge housing accommodates standard 510 thread cartridges securely. The design cleverly conceals most of the cartridge within the bowl, maintaining the pipe aesthetic rather than having a cartridge awkwardly protruding. Most standard-diameter cartridges sit flush and look intentional.
USB-C Charging
Modern USB-C charging comes standard, with the cable included. The charging port is discreetly positioned to maintain design integrity. Full charging from empty takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
Performance
The Pipe delivers performance consistent with Vessel's premium reputation. In testing across multiple cartridge types and voltage settings, it proved reliable and satisfying.
Vapor Quality
At 2.4V, the Pipe produces remarkably smooth vapor with exceptional flavor clarity. Terpene-forward cartridges sing at this setting, revealing subtle notes that higher voltages would overwhelm. This is the setting for connoisseurs.
The 2.8V setting emerged as our most-used option for daily sessions. It strikes an excellent balance between flavor preservation and vapor production, working well with most mainstream cartridges.
Moving to 3.2V increases vapor density noticeably while retaining respectable flavor. This setting handles slightly thicker oils effectively and provides satisfying clouds without harsh hits.
At 3.6V, the Pipe produces substantial vapor suitable for thick concentrates. While flavor takes a backseat to vapor production, the hits remain smoother than many competitors at similar voltages—likely due to Vessel's airflow engineering.
Airflow and Draw
The Pipe benefits from Vessel's signature airflow tuning. Draws are smooth and consistent, with just enough resistance to feel satisfying without being restrictive. The stem length provides additional cooling compared to compact batteries, resulting in notably smooth hits even at higher voltages.
The pipe-style form factor naturally encourages slower, more deliberate draws—which actually improves vapor quality and cartridge longevity. Users accustomed to quick pen-style hits may need to adjust their technique.
Battery Life
The 300mAh battery represents a step up from Vessel's pen-style offerings. In practical terms, expect:
- Light users (10-15 puffs/day): 2-3 days between charges
- Moderate users (20-30 puffs/day): 1-2 days between charges
- Heavy users (40+ puffs/day): Daily charging
The larger form factor could theoretically accommodate a bigger battery, but 300mAh provides adequate capacity for most users while keeping the weight reasonable.
The Ritual Factor
Beyond specifications and features, the Pipe offers something intangible: it transforms vaping into a ritual. There's something meditative about settling into a chair, cradling the Pipe in your hand, and taking slow, deliberate draws. It encourages mindfulness in a way that quick pen hits never could.
This ritual aspect also serves a practical purpose. The slower consumption pace typically means less oil used per session and better appreciation of quality cartridges. If you find yourself blowing through cartridges too quickly, the Pipe's design naturally encourages more measured use.
Who Should Buy This?
The Vessel Pipe is ideal for:
- Aesthetic enthusiasts who want a truly distinctive 510 battery
- Ritual seekers who enjoy the meditative aspects of slow sessions
- Conversation piece collectors who appreciate unique vaping accessories
- Home users who primarily vape in relaxed settings
- Flavor chasers who value the low-voltage options and cooling stem
It may not be ideal for:
- On-the-go users who need pocket-friendly portability
- Discrete vapers who prefer inconspicuous devices
- Budget-conscious users seeking maximum value
- Minimalists who want simple, straightforward batteries
Comparisons
vs. Vessel Core ($35)
The Core offers similar performance in a compact, portable package at nearly half the price. Choose the Core for everyday carry; choose the Pipe for home sessions and special occasions.
vs. Vessel Compass ($45)
The Compass provides excellent battery life in a rectangular form factor. It's more portable than the Pipe while offering the same voltage options. The choice comes down to aesthetics and intended use.
vs. Vessel Craftsman ($79)
The Craftsman's wood accents appeal to similar tastes as the Pipe, but in a pen format. Both offer premium materials and attention to detail—it's a form factor preference.
The Bottom Line
The Vessel Pipe accomplishes something rare in the vaping industry: it creates a genuinely new category. This isn't just another 510 battery with a different shape—it's a reimagining of what the vaping experience can be.
At $65, you're paying a premium for that vision. The Pipe won't outperform cheaper batteries in raw specifications. What it offers instead is an experience—a daily ritual elevated from routine to ceremony.
The build quality justifies confidence in longevity, the four voltage settings provide genuine customization, and the performance meets Vessel's established standards. If the pipe aesthetic speaks to you, the Vessel Pipe delivers on its promise.
For those who see vaping as more than just consumption, who appreciate objects that combine form and function, the Vessel Pipe stands alone in its category. It's not for everyone—but for its intended audience, nothing else comes close.
Looking for more Vessel products? Check out our Vessel brand page for reviews of their full lineup.
Related: Vessel Pipe Manual