Review Summary
The new Puffco Peak is a stripped-down version of the Peak Pro. It features a smaller, more ergonomic design with a 3D chamber integrated into the device’s body, a single button for easy use, and a USB-C port for charging. The Peak offers four preset temperature levels (490-590°F) but lacks the Bluetooth connectivity and app control of the Peak Pro, which provides a wider temperature range (400-644°F) as well as firmware updates. The Peak’s session duration is fixed at 45 seconds, with a boost mode for extended use. The Peak delivers high-quality vapor with real-time temperature control, and is easily the best mid-level rig of [year].
- • #3 on Best Electric Dab Rigs (Best overall)
Pricing Info ⓘ
Comparison
Puffco Peak (new, 2024)
|
New Puffco Peak Pro
|
Bomb eRig
|
Core 2.1
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (1-5) |
4.7 Current Review |
4.9 |
4.7 |
4.6 |
| Brand | Puffco | Puffco | Bomb | |
| Retail Price |
$220.00 |
$420.00 |
$180.00 |
$149.00 |
| Release Date | August 2024 | June 2023 | June 2024 | February 2023 |
| Compatible With | Concentrates | Wax | Concentrates | Wax |
| Vaping Style | Session + On-demand | |||
| Body Material | Metal | Aluminum | Aluminum | |
| Mouthpiece Material | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass |
| Heat Up Time | 10 Seconds | 10 Seconds | 5 Seconds | 10 Seconds |
| Precise Temp Control | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Temperature Range | 4 Levels | 450-600°F | 200-700°F | 4 Levels |
| 510 Thread | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
| Coil Type | 3D Chamber | Ceramic Bowl | Ceramic Bowl | Ceramic Bowl |
| Glass Compatible | ✓ | |||
| Battery Type | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Battery Capacity | 3150mAh | |||
| Sessions Per Charge | 9-12 | 6-9 | 9-12 | 9-12 |
| Charge Time | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours |
| Charger Type | USB-C | USB-C / Wireless | USB-C | USB-C |
| Passthrough Charging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Display Type | LED | LCD | LED | |
| Smartphone App | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Firmware Updates | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Session Mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adjustable Airflow | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Background
The all-new Puffco Peak is a stripped-down version of the Peak Pro, retailing for about half the price. After over a hundred dabs with this rig, I will detail its features, compare it to the Peak Pro on the higher end and the new TUG2.0 on the lower end, and discuss the features available at each price level.
The new Peak retails for $220, and you can use the coupon code TVG10 at vape-smart.com for a 10% discount on all devices.
Kit & Accessories
The kit includes the rig with the glass and the 3D chamber already installed, a dab tool, an instruction manual, a USB-C charger, and chamber swabs.
Some optional accessories include a hot knife, which will help handle sticky concentrates, and I also recommend picking up glob mops, to clean the chamber after sessions. Vape-smart sales a 300pack for $19.
Design
The rig is slightly smaller than the Peak Pro and fits comfortably in my palm. It is easy to use with one hand and has an ergonomic feel. My index finger can easily reach the joystick, which is more challenging with the Peak Pro, especially if you have small hands or use the 3DXL.
It features one button in the front and a USB-C port in the back. A sleek light strip under this band is bright at the back and fades toward the front.
3D Chamber
The chamber is probably the most significant visual difference between the Peak and the Peak Pro. The Peak's chamber is more integrated into the device's body, making it look seamless. When removed, most of it sits internally, unlike the Peak Pro's chamber.
The Peak's chamber is significantly smaller than the Peak Pro's 3D chamber. It is not as wide, deep, or powerful as the one on the Peak Pro, but slightly larger than the Proxy's chamber. A larger chamber has some not-so-obvious benefits, which I will discuss in a moment.
“3D” refers to the heating wire embedded into the ceramic walls of the chamber instead of only at the bottom. This design, also called a 360 chamber by other manufacturers, is ideal. The TUG 2.0, priced at $100, uses a similar design.
Joystick Carb Cap
Both chambers feature Puffco's innovative “joystick carb cap,” allowing you to direct airflow to the chamber's corners. This maximizes airflow and increases extraction efficiency. The new Peak's joystick is smaller and less robust than the Peak Pro's.
How to Use
Using the Peak is straightforward:
- Hold the button to power on or off.
- One click cycles through the four factory presets, with Blue being the lowest.
- Double-click to start heating up.
There is haptic feedback with every button tap and once the preheat is completed.
Session Duration
The session duration is 45 seconds with no customization option. You can stop it manually at any time by holding down the button.
Boost Mode
Double-clicking again after reaching the temperature enters boost mode, increasing the temperature by 18°F and extending the duration by 15 seconds.
Dry Use (Without Water)
Not many people realize that you can use the Peak “dry,” meaning without water in the bubbler. This is true for any eRig, and I mostly use my rigs dry. The Peak has a “dry” mode called “intensity mode,” which, according to the manual, “initiates a heat cycle with added intensity… specially designed for dry dabs, without water.”
Intensity mode enhances each of the four presets. Setting mine to Green and clicking five times instead of twice, the LED shows a rainbow pattern for a few seconds before changing to the preset color.
Performance
The vapor quality is top-notch, regardless of the temperature level. One defining feature of the Peak product line is real-time temperature control. The bowl's temperature sensor sends data to a microprocessor that adjusts the heating element's intensity to maintain a precise, regulated temperature. This prevents concentrate overheating and ensures a consistent experience.
New Peak vs. Peak Pro
| Feature | New Peak | Peak Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $220 | $420 |
| Size | Smaller and lighter, easier to use with one hand | Larger and heavier |
| Bluetooth | No Bluetooth, four factory presets (490-590°F) | Bluetooth-enabled, smartphone app for precise temperature control and customization (400-644°F) |
| Wireless Charging | Charges via USB-C | Charges via USB-C and supports wireless charging with a $100 charging dock |
| Battery Life and Processor | Shorter battery life and smaller processor | Longer battery life and larger processor |
| Chamber Size | Smaller chamber, less robust | Larger chamber, optional $125 3DXL chamber (not compatible with new Peak) |
| Carry Case | Shipping box functions as a carry case with magnetic latches | Comes with a foam case |
| Bubbler Design | Simplified bubbler without vortex center cone or laser-cut holes, slightly smaller with a larger air hole on top | More complex bubbler design with vortex center cone and laser-cut holes |
New Peak vs. TUG 2.0
Comparing the Peak to a lower-end rig like the TUG2.0:
- Price: The TUG retails for $110, and with the 10% coupon, it's $99, about half the price of the new Peak.
- Heat Settings and Temp Control: Both rigs have four preset temperature levels, but the TUG uses voltage-based settings, while the Peak has real-time temperature control for consistent bowl temperature.
- 3D Chamber: Both vapes use similar chambers, called 3D by Puffco and 360 by TUG, with heating wires embedded in the walls of a ceramic bowl.
- Carb Cap: The TUG uses an aluminum carb cap with angled holes to create airflow that rotates terp pearls for impressive extraction. Terp pearls can also be used with the Puffco.
Entry-level vs. Pro Rigs
The biggest feature you lose with the TUG is temperature control. However, the TUG's settings are well-calibrated for the best performance in the “under $100” category.
The new Peak stands between the simple TUG and the advanced Peak Pro. From the Pro to the Peak, you lose precise temp control and a larger chamber, and from the Peak to the TUG, you lose real-time temp control for voltage-based presets. These three are the best at their respective price points.
I have separate reviews for both the Peak Pro and the TUG2.0.
Bottom Line
Competing manufacturers should be concerned about keeping up with Puffco. The new Peak breaks the price barrier, making it more mainstream and accessible to the average user.
The Pro's $420 price tag is hard to justify unless you're an enthusiast. The new Peak, at $220, offers many advanced features of the Peak Pro at a better value.
The only cons are the lack of firmware updates and a personal preference for the Peak Pro's joystick, but that's subjective.
Overall, the Peak is an elegant, cutting-edge concentrate vaporizer and the best entry-level or mid-level eRig available.
If you're interested in any eRig, visit vape-smart.com and use the coupon code TVG10 for 10% off all devices. They offer free FedEx two-day delivery and free gifts with most devices.