G Pen Elite Vaporizer Review

This is the G Pen Elite, a new portable vaporizer for dry herb made by Grenco Science (G Pen), makers of the ubiquitous G Pro vape.

This new model is a big improvement and it’s a unique design from the ground up. It’s smaller, more advanced, and has an even bigger herb chamber, giving it one of the largest ovens on the market in a portable vaporizer.

G Pen Elite The Anatomy

There are only two main parts to this thing: The mouthpiece, and the rest.

The body of the vape itself has a single power button on the front and a micro-USB charging port on the bottom. On the side of the unit is where the LED screen is located that shows you the temperature and battery indicator. It really does feel nice in your hand, there’s even a groove for your finger to rest in, and the weight of it is perfect – not too heavy at all but also not feather-light.

The mouthpiece has a silicone cover on it and a small stainless steel screen built-in at the bottom. It actually feels pretty comfortable on your lips and the tip is curved a little to match the aesthetics of the rest of the vape.

Now, the original release of the Elite had a completely open pass-through mouthpiece design, meaning there was nothing in the way of the vapor going straight from the oven to your lips. This was nice for extra airflow but it didn’t allow the vapor to cool enough so I personally felt that it was a little hot and harsh feeling most of the time.

Elite To G Pen’s credit, when I brought this issue up with them they let me know that they were already working on an improved mouthpiece to address the hot vapor, so they’re definitely on top of their sh*t.

The new top piece is now shipping with all Elite kits and I personally feel that it’s a much, much nicer vaping experience with it – I’m glad I waited to do my review. It was completely redesigned with a new internal air channel to help cool and soften the vapor – from the outside, it looks the same as the original but it’s totally different on the inside. You can’t see straight through the screen into the oven anymore, the vapor actually has to make a few turns inside before it reaches your mouth.

For its size I also have zero complaints about battery life, it’ll give you about 45-60 mins of usage from a full charge (~5 sessions). It’s gonna take a couple of hours to fully recharge so I would pick up a USB power bank for easy charging on the go.

Over-Sized Ceramic Herb Chamber

The oven in the Elite is big, pretty much the largest chamber of any portable vape I’ve reviewed with a capacity upwards of .75g if you grind really fine.

Believe it or not, I usually don’t consider this a big positive, but what’s cool about this vape is that you don’t have to pack it full and tight to get good performance, it’ll still work very well with a loose pack of just ~.25g. All you have to do is hand-pack this one loosely up to the brim and pop the mouthpiece back on and you’re good to go.

Ceramic Oven Now if you want to push the limit and get maximum vapor production from this thing you should do these simple things: 1) grind your herb finer, and 2) pack the oven tighter.

What you can also do if you pack it full and tight is split up your sessions, or vape half of it in one sitting and the other half later.

A normal coarse grind like that from a typical 4-piece grinder still works great, so it’s pretty versatile in this regard, it’s not very finicky about herb consistency which is a nice characteristic.

I’d consider the Elite a combo conduction/convection vape because even though the walls of the oven do heat up there are also four air intake holes in the bottom of the chamber that let a decent amount of air pass through.

Fast Heat-up & Easy Temp. Adjustment

This vape heats up very quickly, typically in 30 seconds or less. The temperature I recommend starting at when you first get it is 375°, and you can easily adjust the temp in 1° increments with the two buttons on the side of the unit.

Mouthpiece The reason I say to start at 375° is that I’ve found it to provide the best balance of vapor quality (taste, smoothness) and vapor production (visible clouds). Lower temps give you a purer flavor and higher temps will give you bigger clouds.

What I personally like to do is vape most of my session around 375° and then bump up the heat to about 410° for the last few draws to really squeeze out any remaining goodies.

Changing heat levels on the fly is easy and I’m actually impressed with the temp control of this unit, the vape really does perform differently even just 10 degrees in either direction.

Low Draw Resistance & Quick Vapor Production

Another nice characteristic of the Elite is that it’s not difficult to pull from, the draw resistance is very reasonable. Despite the thin air channel inside the mouthpiece, it doesn’t feel restricted, I’d consider it above-average here (better than most).

To go along with the free-flowing draw is fast vapor production – you can draw for as little as 4 seconds and get a decent cloud from it, and this isn’t extremely common.

LED Display If you’re new to vaping this is something to pay attention to, because with some vapes you need to take a fairly long draw to get a satisfying hit (10+ seconds) and not everyone likes that.

One tip I have to maximize visible vapor is to wait a few extra seconds between draws, don’t take one pull after another with this unit it’s not the best way to use it. After you take a draw wait 20-30 seconds before going at it again, or before passing it to someone else.

Stay up!
-Bud

G-Pen Elite Vaporizer Collections can be Found at:

Vapor.com



66 comments

  • Their website doesn’t work to register their products, they don’t auto register it when you purchase direct from them, their customer service is negligent at best, and lastly, their products are cheap, break easily, and don’t work consistently.

    G pen is a horrible company and brand. Buyer beware.

  • Do you have an updated review of this vape? What about this review doesn’t align with your opinions at this point? Just curious, since I’m looking at picking this one up.

  • I’ve looked but can’t find. How long should a session last with fine ground about .5 g at 400F. Not sure how long before product is spent

  • hey my vap is cherged and onn but it won’t heat. It’s at 10ºC and won’t leave. Does anyonte know what can it be? sorry for the bad english.

  • I bought the g pen elite February 2018. The rim around the mouthpiece broke in June 2018. I have been in contact with the company since then requesting how to return the pen since it is still under warranty. I contacted the company again in September 2018 asking them for the information I need to return the pen and I still have not had a response. Piece of crap vape pen and crap company. I bought a Pax 3 and it is far superior.

  • It is very hard too open. The rim of the mouthpiece cracked about 30 days in. It did hit good to me tho.

  • just got the elite must b doin sumpin wrong very hi draw resist weak flavor no vapor but does get me very high somehow. but feels like my lungs about to tear from from all the hard draw effort. what am doin wrong? i set to 375

    • you either packed it too hard or need to clean the mouthpiece with alcohol… otherwise try to draw slower maybe… all vapes have a different maximum air flow speed so you need to find that sweet spot.

  • I have the elite also. For some reason after let’s say the second draw it taste horrible. And I never get big nice clouds. Am I doing something wrong?

  • What a piece of garbage, After 3 days the unit craps out and will not charge. This is the second unit to crap out on me.
    Never again will I buy another Grenco product. Piece of shit company.

    • When you find a couple of units of the same thing ying and not charging so quickly it is usually just because youve broken the power charging cord. These thigns break easily and there should be no other reason why it doesn’t work because it is so simply made. The guts of this is basic and isnt something that stops working. Try changing your charging lead.

    • I had the same issue after a couple months. Won’t charge no matter what I do.

    • It is too hot. If you change it to celsius then 210c is the best cloud you will get, which is not thick but thin white handful of cloud. You can then kick up to 215c to blast it. Taste is a very burnt flavor at 215c and wont get better once it’s burnt because the bits of buurnt bud stick to the mouthpiece so you continue getting that taste until you refresh. 210 is best. 190c wont work (375f) and 200 you can taste all the stuff thats good for you. Also anything lower than 215 you need to give it at least 10 seconds between puffs to make each hit perfect. This pen sucks at first. Going from smoking joints and bongs to this is such a let down, but once you start appreciating it for what it is and the difference then you will start enjoying it. Yes it takes a minute to heat up but you should wait 5 more minutes before taking first drag. Once you have started appreciating it, you will enjoy it. Probably went through 1.5oz to 2oz before i started enjoying it mentally. This uses a lot of bud so make sure you pack it full. Packing it ful;l will get you two sessions if on your own and you want it to last 2.
      This thing gets hot too. Usually when it turns off the heat really gets going on the outside of the mouth piece. The silicon cover takes it away from your mouth but the heat holding it is real.

      I reckon this gadget is for a connoisseur. You can really taste all the good stuff at the lower heat setting and really taste the different strains. Each strain is like a flavour. Really fine flavour like a good wine. once its turned up though and you burn it then that burnt taste is foul but a foul you can live with and after a while secretly enjoy

  • Fill my chamber full but not packed, still not much of a vape . Burning it at 438 and then I will get a little vape. Any suggestions?

  • The mouth piece is very disappointing. Vape is hot and if you are an everyday user, plan to return this every 4-6months. The plastic that connects to the mouthpieces breaks or cracks. I’ve gone through 3! Grenco keeps sending replacements after I pay for shipping but I suggest trying a different vape.

  • The part about the mouth piece being shipped with the new ones does not show on the Genco item list for the Elite. So either they lied, or they didn’t update the website. They have always had heat issues with the mouth piece. It’s a shame. Hope this one is a good vaperizer or I’ll be wasting another $150 bucks….again.

  • Hey, just got this and I am having a bit of a hard time starting it up. The vape won’t turn on at all, but when I plug it into the charger it shows 4 full bars … I’ve just been charging it but I can’t tell when it will be charged. Does the product turn on only when it’s fully charged or is this a defective one?

    • To start it, you have to press the power button five times. To start heating, press for 1-2seconds and release. Press five times to turn off manually.

      The instructions that came with it are crap.

    • I just got one, shows fully charged, I pick a temp, push and hold 1 or 2 secs it shuts off.
      If I unplug it, It’s dead ??

    • Had same problem. Opened the case, charged the battery, fixed!

      It seems the IMR lithium battery can discharge slowly. My Elite battery was at zero volts!
      The built in USB charging circuit refuses to work if the battery voltage is too low (for safety)

      I pried open the G Pen case and attached alligator clips to the battery. Charged up to 3.5 volt.

      Fixed! Now it charges and vapes properly.
      The G Pen is fine for weekend tokers. But the G Pen’s slow inhales (30 seconds), weaker hits are disappointing for heavy users.

      I strongly prefer the Crafty or Mighty, they are so worth the extra money. Yeah they cost 2Xs more, worth it to get the most out of your herbs! Stronger vapor, faster harder hits, NO plastic smell. Much easier to load too.

  • Has anybody here had any issues with their ceramic chamber? I’ve had my Elite for about a couple of weeks and cleaning it today I just noticed what seems to be a small crack in the chamber I hadn’t seen before. Perfectly parallel to the long axis of the vape, maybe a fourth of the chamber height. I did drop it once, but it was in a vinyl pouch and only fell about a foot or so. I also had it in my back pocket one day and sat down, remembering I had it there only after about 5 minutes. I’d be surprised if the thing was this delicate.
    Anyone have similar stories?

    • Had the same thing happen but it’s not actually a crack it’s the seam of the ceramic wrap

  • Yo homie does this vaporizer smell bad of weed. My parents cant know I’m vaping. At what temperature do you start clearly smelling weed instead of popcorn?

  • Hi Bud,
    You have one of the best vape info sites. Thank you from this newbie!

    I was ready to buy the elite, but saw the kandypens Miva, which looks competive in function/price range/stealth.

    The 2 possible advantages (for me) are: better vapor quality with glass mouthpiece and smaller oven better suited for solo (lightweight) use.

    I saw a post that you were reviewing the miva. What is your opinion(s) about it? I trust your viewpoint more than other sources I’ve seen on the web.

    Thanks Bud

  • Been choosing between this and the alfa, not that big of a price difference. Which would you recommend is better?

    • I have not used a the gpen yet, but I have been through 3 alfas. I may be harder on my vapes than the average doper, but I question the durability of these units. Vapeworld replaced 2 of them and then talked me into an arizer air replacement, which I didn’t like at all. I’d love an improved alfa, but I’d go with this one if I were picking.

  • I have just finished my 10th session with the Elite a 375F. I tried both loose pack and tight pack and got the best results with the tight pack.

    The top half and mouthpiece get very warm on my unit and uncomfortably warm on the lips.

    I compared it to my Pax and there was no contest… I think the Pax is better (and also more expensive)… you get what you pay for.

    I think the Elite is an improvement over their other previous vapes and its a good entry level vape.

    Like the Pax the GPen is very discreet

  • Bud, I had to read your review twice, good stuff!

    Above you write, “You don’t even need an adapter if you have a rig with a 14mm male connection, the mouthpiece of the vape makes an airtight seal on the opening.”

    So would I need to buy a:

    14mm male to 14mm male adapter

    ???

    Thanks!

  • Thanks for the written and video review!

    Do you know if there is a water wipe attachment or adapter for the Elite?

    Much appreciated for any reply!

  • This site is far and away the best information I have found to influence a purchase. I bought the G Pen Elite based on your review. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

  • Hey. I’m looking at this one, pax 2 and summit. Something that ill mainly use on my own at home, with minimal setup, and moreso second/third sessions in a day after done with j’s. Borrowed a friends pax & find it hard to draw, finicky about packing, and mouthpiece sticks a lot.

    What do you think between the two? Sounds like g-pen is your top choice!

    • If price isn’t a issue and your going between the g pen elite, pax 2 and summit… I think the PAX 2 is your best choice. The first PAX did have the sticky mouthpiece issues, have one myself so know all about it. The PAX 2 though uses a fully different mount piece part so that issue is gone along the awesome vapor, great battery life and all around it’s one of my favorites.

  • Hi Bud,

    I bought a Pax 2 and returned it because I got barely any vapor. Do you think I’ll have a different experience with the G Pen Elite? Or are there any other portable vapes that are different from the Pax 2 that you would recommend?

    P.S.: Do you think that herb (not ground finely enough) could have been the problem with the Pax 2?

  • Bud,
    How does it preform with only lets say .15 .2 grams?

    From the following what divice you advise for some regular herb vape:
    Boundless cf, g pen elite, FM v5s pro, storm or summit+

  • I am inbetween the elite and the summit plus. my biggest concern is vapor quality. what would you recommend?

    • I am having the same concern as my boy William. I was pretty set on the summit plus because of the ruggedness (I am planning on taking it out doors) and the pass through charging, however when I learned this had pass through capability Im back on the fence. in your opinion which would make more sense. Ive had the EVO, the Plenty, and the pax 2, so I know/want good vapor quality. but I also want to be able to use this thing on a ski lift in NC.

      • William & Jim,

        That’s a pretty tough call to make, I’m in the process of testing and reviewing the Summit+ now and it’s not very different from the original model at all in terms of performance (so far, still mid-testing). So everything I say about vapor quality and taste in my first review will be extremely similar with the new model.

        I think they’d both be good for what you’re looking to do. If I had to personally choose one I’d probably go with the Elite because I like the design & form factor better and it has less draw resistance (easier to pull). The actual quality of the vapor will not be very different between the two, so I recommend choosing based on other factors.

    • Tough call they have a lot of similarities! One big difference is the oven size – the Elite’s herb chamber is almost double the size of the XS, so I would probably choose based on how much you like to vape at once.

  • I’ve had mine for over a month now, Bud.

    It’s the best portable vape I’ve tried for under $200.00. Compact, holds a lot of product, has multiple heat settings, easy to recharge, can fill it half or full depending on my needs. Mouthpiece is not plastic, which is a big plus. I tried a few portables with a plastic mouthpiece and they all cracked after short term use due to the heat.

    Looking forward to your review.