G Pen Connect Review

Background

LA-based Grenco Science (visit store) has long been in business and gained popularity upon their release of the original G-Pen. Trailblazing by crafting a smaller, pen-shaped device at a time when most manufacturers were still making larger portable units.

Now they’re venturing into a new space with their new E-nail (electronic nail), the G Pen Connect. Electronic nails were designed to replace the pyrotechnics of the traditional torch and make it simpler for consumers to enjoy their dabs at controlled temperatures. The G Pen Connect fits 144mm water pipes and features a sleek design, variable voltage, manual heating, and an 850mAH battery.

Compatibility: The G Pen Connect compatible with wax concentrate and any rig with a 14mm connector. I used it with CBD dab from In-Hemp and a rig from Higher Standards.

Kit and Accessories

Most (if not, all) of G-Pen’s products come with a fairly lean kit that’s simple and straightforward. If you have a rig that’s slightly larger or smaller, differently sized adapters and other accessories and spares are optional to purchase and are available on their website. Make sure to use our exclusive code TVG15 for 15% off your total bill.

The G Pen Connect kit comes with the following:

• G Pen Connect
• 14 mm male glass adapter
• 850 mAh battery
• Micro USB charger
• Hard-case zipper pouch

Design and Features

The Connect is an interesting-looking device that’s clad in a metal body with G Pen’s signature matte black finish.  The device’s design aesthetic is a G Pen signature as well- clean, sleek, with subtle rounded edges for easy handling. The battery pack is the largest component of the Connect- and attaches magnetically to the rest of the device

The battery pack sticks out from the rest of the device, which might seem a little awkward at first- but it’s actually an ergonomic feature since the battery is where the firing button is located. As if it wasn’t simple enough to handle- the button isn’t tough to locate at all, it’s the entire side face of the battery pack. Making the Connect so much easier to use while attached to a rig. The entire device is fairly modular with only two removable parts that are all magnetically connected (namely the battery pack and the bowl cover).

Battery

The Connect has an 850 mAH battery so it can go for a while before it needs to be recharged. Duration drops if you regularly use the Connect on the higher voltage settings and if you use manual heating a lot. Recharging can take an hour or two, but it is certainly easier than refilling a butane torch.

How to Use

Using the G Pen Connect may seem tasking at first, but once you use the device at least once- it’s incredibly intuitive and almost second-nature to anyone.

1. Twist the glass adapter onto the bottom of the glass connector of the device.
2. Insert the device into the joint of the dab rig.
3. Remove the cap from the tank.
4. Place your dab into the ceramic bowl and replace the cap.
5. Attach the battery to the magnetic connection point.
6. Turn on the device by pressing the battery button five times.
7. Press the battery button three times to select a voltage level.
8. Press the battery button twice to start automatic heating.
9. (Optional) Hold down the battery button for fifteen seconds for manual heating.
10. Once heating is complete, hold down the carb release button to increase airflow.
11. Inhale from the mouthpiece of the dab rig.

For more, please read the instruction manual right here.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The only piece of the device that requires a thorough cleaning is the ceramic bowl. Simply do the usual way of wiping it down with a cotton swab that is soaked in isopropyl alcohol. You can also initiate a burn-off to get rid of more stubborn residue. All you have to do is engage manual heating mode on the highest voltage setting to melt off any sticky, leftover residue.

Performance and Vapor Quality

The Connect uses a ceramic bowl so the flavor is clean and pure. After all, experienced extract vapers tend to favor ceramic nails because the neutral material keeps the flavor pure. One of the bigger advantages that the Connect has over the standard torch and nail is that it gives you the choice of a more precise temperature setting via the three different voltage settings, Blue: 3.1V/ Green: 3.6V/Red: 4.1V. This precision allows you to truly taste the terpenes in your material and maximize the effects of certain cannabinoids that are activated by lower temperatures (as opposed to burning them).

The resulting vapor on the lowest setting (indicated by the color blue), is more flavor-forward and less dense. The vapor density increases as you toggle through the higher settings, with the middle (green) setting being the most balanced. Needless to say, it is much trickier to modulate those qualities with just a torch.

In lieu of a traditional carb cap, the Connect features a carb release button that functions in much the same way as a cap. Press while inhaling and you definitely notice the increased airflow, lower draw resistance, and richer flavor. It helps to cool down the vapor as well, so it’s a good idea to use it while on higher voltage settings. For heavier vapor, then you can use the manual heating option which brings the device to its highest temperature. It might be a bit tricky to reach for both the cap and the firing button at the same time, but it makes for some really dense vapor that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Bottom Line

The G Pen connect is a simple, straightforward device with a near-zero learning curve. The device’s design and overall functionality don’t take away from your dabbing experience, but rather adds precision and a bit of panache. The vapor quality is above average, flavor oriented and, gives priority to the material.

The Connect is a more portable, less expensive alternative to portable dab rigs, but only if you already own a glass rig. Portable rigs like the KandyPens Oura and Pulsar Rök (review) are other devices you may consider for vaporizing wax extracts at controlled temperatures. They also already come with their own built-in water bubblers. 

Rigs have the overall advantage of being an “all-in-one” device -but if you already have a rig, then the Connect is the better choice. It’s priced much lower than most portable dab rigs and is adaptable to any rig you may have on hand. To see more and know more or to find what might suit you best – check out our list of the best Dab rigs and E-nails this [year].