Introduction
Most wax pens rely on coils wrapped around ceramic or quartz rods. The Yocan Orbit takes a different approach, borrowing terp pearl technology from desktop e-rigs and fitting it into a portable pen format. The result is a device that promises better flavor and more efficient concentrate use than traditional designs.
Terp pearls have become popular in the dabbing community for good reason—they distribute heat evenly and help vaporize concentrates completely without burning. Yocan recognized this advantage and engineered a way to incorporate spinning quartz pearls into a battery-powered portable device. The Orbit sits between basic wax pens and full-sized e-rigs in both size and capability.
Design and Build
The Orbit uses a stainless steel body that feels substantial in hand. At 5.5 inches long and 0.6 inches in diameter, it is noticeably larger than pen-style devices like the Evolve Plus, but remains pocketable. The extra size accommodates the quartz cup atomizer and larger battery.
A glass mouthpiece tops the device, preserving flavor better than plastic alternatives. The mouthpiece threads on securely and can be removed for cleaning. The single button handles all operations with a straightforward click pattern: five clicks for power, two clicks to cycle voltage.
Build quality matches Yocan's typical standard—solid construction without premium flourishes. The device feels durable enough for daily use and travel. Available colors include black, silver, and other options depending on retailer stock.
What's in the Box
The Orbit kit includes:
- Yocan Orbit battery unit
- Pre-installed quartz cup with terp pearls
- 2 additional terp pearls
- Pick tool for loading
- Lanyard with hanging ring
- USB-C charging cable
The inclusion of extra terp pearls is thoughtful—they can crack if dropped or cleaned improperly. Having spares means a broken pearl does not render the device unusable.
Terp Pearl Technology
The Orbit's defining feature is its spinning terp pearl system. Two small quartz balls sit inside the quartz cup atomizer. When you activate the device and draw, airflow enters through intake holes and causes the pearls to spin rapidly within the heated cup.
This spinning action serves multiple purposes:
Even heat distribution: The moving pearls spread heat across your concentrate, preventing the hot spots that cause burning in stationary coil designs.
Complete vaporization: By constantly agitating the concentrate, the pearls help vaporize material that would otherwise pool at the bottom of a traditional atomizer.
Efficiency: Less concentrate goes to waste when heat is distributed evenly. Users often report needing smaller loads to achieve the same effect.
The technology is proven in desktop e-rigs costing several hundred dollars. Yocan's achievement is fitting it into a $40 portable device that runs on battery power.
Quartz Cup Atomizer
The quartz cup design separates the Orbit from coil-based pens. Instead of placing concentrate directly on heated coils, you load it into a cup made entirely of quartz. Heat radiates from the bottom and walls of the cup, with the terp pearls handling distribution.
Quartz offers flavor advantages over ceramic or metal coils. It heats evenly, does not impart any taste of its own, and cleans up easily with isopropyl alcohol. The cup design also means concentrates never touch the heating element directly, eliminating the burnt taste that can occur when material contacts bare coils.
The atomizer is replaceable when it eventually wears out. Replacement coils are available from Yocan and various retailers.
Performance
Vapor production from the Orbit is impressive for a portable device. The combination of quartz cup heating and terp pearl distribution creates smooth, flavorful draws that compare favorably to more expensive devices.
The three voltage settings allow customization based on concentrate type and preference:
| Voltage | Best For | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4V | Flavor-focused sessions | Maximum terpene preservation, lighter vapor |
| 3.7V | Everyday use | Balanced flavor and vapor production |
| 4.0V | Thick concentrates, clouds | Dense vapor, slightly reduced flavor |
Starting low and working up is recommended. Many users find 3.7V handles most concentrates well, with 3.4V reserved for terp-rich live resins and 4.0V for particularly thick or stubborn material.
The 10-second preheat function helps with cold starts and thick concentrates. Double-click the button to activate a gentle warming cycle before your main draw.
Battery Life
The 1700mAh battery represents a significant upgrade over typical wax pen capacities. Expect a full day of moderate use—roughly 10-12 sessions—before needing a charge. Heavy users may need to top up mid-day, but the battery handles normal use patterns without issue.
USB-C charging is a welcome inclusion that many budget devices still lack. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours from empty. The faster data-style cable is more convenient than the Micro-USB still found on older designs.
Battery indicators on the device show remaining charge, eliminating guesswork about when to plug in.
Maintenance
The quartz cup and terp pearl design delivers better flavor than coils but requires more attention to keep clean. Residue builds up inside the cup and on the pearls, eventually affecting taste and pearl movement.
After each session: While the cup is still warm, use the included pick tool to remove any remaining residue. A quick pulse of the button can help burn off material.
Weekly cleaning: Remove the terp pearls and soak them in isopropyl alcohol for 10-15 minutes. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean inside the quartz cup. Allow everything to dry completely before reassembly.
Deep cleaning: If residue becomes stubborn, soak the entire atomizer (minus the battery) in isopropyl alcohol. A small brush can help dislodge buildup from the cup interior.
Users accustomed to disposable coil pens may find this maintenance routine inconvenient. The tradeoff is better flavor and the ability to restore performance through cleaning rather than replacement.
Who Should Buy the Yocan Orbit
Flavor enthusiasts: If you notice the difference between good and mediocre concentrate taste, the Orbit's quartz cup and terp pearls deliver meaningfully better flavor than coil pens.
E-rig users wanting portability: The Orbit brings familiar technology into a pocketable format. It does not match a desktop unit, but it comes closer than traditional pens.
Users tired of burning concentrates: The even heat distribution reduces the charred taste that plagues some coil-based devices.
Those willing to maintain their device: The cleaning requirements are real. Users who want zero maintenance should stick with simpler pens.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Budget-first buyers: At around $40, the Orbit costs more than basic pens like the Evolve Plus. If price is the primary concern, simpler devices deliver acceptable performance for less.
Minimalists: The Orbit is larger and heavier than pen-style devices. Those prioritizing maximum portability should consider slimmer options.
Low-maintenance users: If cleaning your device regularly sounds unappealing, coil-based pens with replaceable atomizers may suit your lifestyle better.
Final Verdict
The Yocan Orbit successfully miniaturizes e-rig technology into a portable, battery-powered format. The spinning terp pearls and quartz cup atomizer combination delivers flavor and efficiency that traditional coil pens cannot match. This is not marketing hype—the technology works and the difference is noticeable.
The trade-offs are size, price, and maintenance. The Orbit is larger than basic pens, costs more than entry-level options, and requires regular cleaning to perform its best. For users who value flavor and are willing to spend a few extra minutes on upkeep, these compromises are worthwhile.
At its price point, the Orbit offers technology usually found in devices costing two or three times as much. It represents a genuine step up from coil-based pens without requiring the investment of a full e-rig. For concentrate users ready to move beyond basic pens, the Orbit delivers.
Related: Yocan Orbit Manual | Yocan Evolve Plus Review