G Pen Dash+ Review: A Fuss-Free Starter Vaporizer

What is it?

Having debuted in mid-2023, the Dash+ is G Pen’s recent follow-up to their original Dash portable dry herb vaporizer. As far as handheld weed vaporizers go, the Dash+ ticks the boxes you’ve come to expect: temperature control, hybrid heating, USB rechargeability, and a battery hearty enough to handle multiple sessions on a single charge.

Something that’s worth addressing right out of the gate: while the Dash+ is technically the original Dash’s successor, it hardly feels like a new iteration of the same device. Had they not shared the “Dash” alias, I would have assumed these vaporizers were (at least directly) unrelated, aside from the common manufacturer and dry herb angle. Their features, design, and price brackets are distinct.

Even though I’d say that the Dash+ is an overall superior device, the Dash still has a place in the market—and a pretty unique one, at that. It isn't defunct just because there’s an upgraded version available. And although neither is revolutionary, not every device needs to be. Sometimes, you just want a vaporizer that can get the job done without fuss. That’s where the Dash+ really shines.

Price: $149.95 (at G Pen)

What’s in the box?

Much like the device inside, the Dash+ arrives in compact, sleek black packaging. You’ve probably seen something similar if you’ve purchased a dry herb vaporizer in the past. Attractive, but not the most eye-catching.

Sticking with the theme of convenience, you’ll receive most of what you need to get started:

All that’s missing are swabs, alcohol wipes, or whatever your preferred cleaning equipment is.

Product features

The Dash+ is lightweight and compact, with an ergonomic, magnetic mouthpiece. Popping off the top, you’ll find an easy-to-clean titanium oven with space for around 0.25 to 0.35 grams of ground bud. More room than the original Dash, but pretty standard for a device of its size. You’ll get about the same with full-size PAX vaporizers.

While the Dash is practically keychain-sized, the Dash+ is just compact enough to slip inside a large pocket. But I wouldn’t use this as a slight against the Dash+. Again, there are plenty of advantages to bulking up a portable device. There’s no way around it: you just aren’t going to get the best vapor production out of a pen tiny enough to wear on your belt. (To give credit where it’s due, the OG Dash isn’t the only bite-sized herb vape. It is, however, one of the most cost-effective.)

Discretion isn’t a reason I’d recommend the Dash+. Compared to the alternatives, it’s a similar size—nothing world-shattering.

The Dash+ key features include:

Entry-level vapers may appreciate the Dash+'s ease of use and simplicity, though temperature features can come with growing pains. You’ll want to explore the best temperatures for vaping weed before using the Dash+ as your introductory vaporizer.

How to use the G Pen Dash+

Getting started with the G Pen Dash+ isn’t difficult. In fact, I find it to be more intuitive than the original Dash despite having more settings and customization opportunities. Maybe it’s just easier to navigate when the device doesn’t rely on one button to do everything.

How does it perform?

Looking at its actual functionality, my main complaints about the Dash+ are light.

I didn’t go into the Dash+ expecting the densest, most flavor-rich clouds to ever grace my senses. And sure, while that ended up being true enough, I wasn’t dissatisfied with what I got. The Dash+ trumps its predecessor in both vapor quality and output.

Not to say that the original Dash spits out anything harsh or unsatisfying, but don’t anticipate a complex sensory experience. Its output is definitely on the wispier side.

None of that came as a surprise, of course. With fewer features to work with, the OG Dash is at an instant disadvantage. Flavor-focused vapers on a budget may find the Dash+ to be a sufficient compromise. Go with the Dash for efficiency and the Dash+ if you prioritize the ride as much as the outcome.

Just to run down the list, because there are a number of features here that work well for me:

I’ve been testing the Dash+ for several weeks at the time of writing, and while I haven’t seen any signs of trouble yet, I can’t say for sure how the vaporizer holds up over time. It feels sturdy enough and has a nice heft. Fortunately, the Dash+ doesn’t have the “cheap” feel that similarly priced devices can fall prey to.

Battery life and charging

Charging the Dash+ is speedy and straightforward. Each device arrives with a brand-new USB-C cable. Keep tabs on your vaporizer’s power level using the battery meter, found on the interface’s upper right corner. This will be visible whenever the Dash+ is powered on.

An 1800 mAh battery isn’t short-lived, though it does fall well below competitors like the PAX Plus (3000 mAh), PAX 3 (3500 mAh), and Arizer Solo II (3500 mAh). You’ll get up to 40 minutes of continuous use on each charge of your Dash+ vaporizer.

How to clean the Dash+

As long as you stay on top of it between sessions, cleaning the Dash+ is quick and simple. Wipe down the chamber and mouthpiece just like you would your PAX or any comparable vaporizer. You can also use the G Pen tool (included with your device) to scrape out ground material.

First-time dry herb vaper, or just looking for a refresher? You can typically get the job done with cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol wipes might also come in handy. For a quick clean, dampen a cotton swab in alcohol and wipe in and around the heating chamber, then move on to the mouthpiece. You’ll want to keep both the interior and exterior clear of residue.

Make sure to do a thorough clean-out every few sessions. Resin buildup can negatively impact the flavor and functionality of your Dash+, and could even block its airpath.

Start by removing the mouthpiece insert. Pop out the screen and spiral airpath, soaking both components in isopropyl alcohol. Don’t soak the rest of the insert or the mouthpiece itself. Make sure everything is fully dry before reassembling and using your Dash+.

To clean the silicone mouthpiece cover, it’s best to nix the alcohol altogether. Hand soap and warm water can do the trick without risking deterioration.

Pros / Cons

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Verdict

All in all, the Dash+ performs just beyond what I’d expect from a vaporizer in its price range—and that’s meant as a compliment. In my experience, devices in this middle-of-the-road slot can fall just about anywhere on the quality spectrum. It’s always nice to see a moderately priced vaporizer that gets the job done without hiccups.

If you’re determined to spend up to $150 and aren’t looking to max out on battery life, I’d recommend giving the Dash+ a shot. For harder-hitting options and more battery life, you’ll need to spend at least $50 more. And it’s not entirely fair to compare the Dash+ to more premium devices like the Mighty+ or Crafty+, so I’ll stop myself from falling into that trap. New vapers will need to weigh their priorities against how much they’re comfortable investing.

Even before factoring in goals and experience, the Dash+ strikes a nice balance for me: it’s functional and reliable, offers just enough customization to suit most vapers’ needs, and isn’t the biggest financial commitment.