Price (USD)
Tempest 2 edgePAX 3
$250
Tempest 2
$179
Tempest 2 is typically around $71 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
PAX 3 vs Tempest 2
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
PAX 3
PAX Labs $250
VS
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters $179
Editorial Summary
PAX 3 and Tempest 2 are both portable vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Tempest 2 is usually the lower-cost pick at $179, around $71 below PAX 3. Heat-up speed is broadly similar between the two.
Specs Compared
23
Different Specs
22
Shared Specs
1
Overall Overlap
4%
Shared Traits
Portable
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
Close callPAX 3
<30 seconds
Tempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
Both devices are in a similar heat-up range.
Weight
Tempest 2 edgePAX 3
~93 grams
Tempest 2
46g
Tempest 2 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callPAX 3
Conduction
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
PAX 3
$250
Tempest 2
$179
Heating Type
PAX 3
Conduction
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Heat Up Time
PAX 3
<30 seconds
Tempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
Temperature Range
PAX 3
182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F)
Tempest 2
N/A
Chamber Capacity
PAX 3
<0.35 grams
Tempest 2
0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable)
Battery Type
PAX 3
Internal 18650
Tempest 2
None
Battery Capacity
PAX 3
3500mAh
Tempest 2
N/A
Battery Life
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Tempest 2
N/A
Charging
PAX 3
Proprietary Dock
Tempest 2
N/A
Charge Time
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Tempest 2
N/A
Choose PAX 3 if...
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction and concentrates sessions.
- You prefer PAX 3's overall feature mix and form factor.
Choose Tempest 2 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($179 vs $250).
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward analog and premium sessions.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
22 differ 1 shared
| Specification | PAX 3 | Tempest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $250 | $179 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Conduction | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix |
| Heat Up Time | <30 seconds | ~30-45 seconds with torch |
| Temperature Range | 182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F) | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | <0.35 grams | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) |
| Battery Type | Internal 18650 | None |
| Battery Capacity | 3500mAh | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~90 minutes | N/A |
| Charging | Proprietary Dock | N/A |
| Charge Time | ~90 minutes | N/A |
| Bluetooth / App | Yes | — |
| Dimensions | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm | 122mm x 18.5mm |
| Weight | ~93 grams | 46g |
| Power Adjustment | Modular - 4 stages | Visual gauge with click indicators |
| Chamber Material | Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Concentrate Support | Yes | — |
| Brand | PAX Labs | Mad Heaters |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | Yes |
| Body Material | — | Grade 5 titanium, aluminum heat shield, stainless steel |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Made in China, Assembled in the UK |
| Release Date | 2016 | — |
| Warranty | 10 years | 1 year |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the PAX 3 and the Tempest 2?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: PAX 3 runs conduction while Tempest 2 runs convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the PAX 3 or the Tempest 2?
Tempest 2 is the cheaper option at $179 compared with $250 for the PAX 3, about $71 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which heats up faster, the PAX 3 or the Tempest 2?
PAX 3 reaches session-ready temperature in <30 seconds, while the Tempest 2 takes ~30-45 seconds with torch. That's roughly 8 seconds quicker on the PAX 3, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.
What's the difference in heating between the PAX 3 and the Tempest 2?
PAX 3 uses conduction heating, while the Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Does the PAX 3 or the Tempest 2 hold more flower?
PAX 3 has the larger chamber at <0.35 grams, versus 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) on the Tempest 2. A bigger bowl means fewer reloads on long sessions; a smaller one suits microdosing and quicker bowls.
Which is lighter, the PAX 3 or the Tempest 2?
Tempest 2 is the lighter unit at 46g, around 47g less than the PAX 3 at ~93 grams. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Can I set custom temperatures on the PAX 3 or the Tempest 2?
PAX 3 controls heat with modular - 4 stages, while the Tempest 2 uses visual gauge with click indicators. Both let you change temperature, just with different levels of precision.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.