How To Spot A Fake Pax Vaporizer
In the world of dry herb vaporizers there are numerous counterfeits circulating and the Pax Vaporizer by Pax Labs (previously known as Ploom) is no exception. In fact, the Pax is probably the most counterfeited dry herb vape on the scene due to its popularity. Knockoffs are universally inferior products and you don’t want to get shafted by a fake that’s not covered by warranty, which is why we’ve shared this article on how to spot a fake Pax.
For anyone involved in counterfeiting operations expecting to cash in on Pax’s good name, be warned: Pax Labs isn’t the only one after you as U.S. law enforcement is also on the hunt. Proof of which can be seen in the 2014 raid conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on an alleged trafficker of fake Pax vapes.
Fake Pax Tipoffs
Listed below are some of the ways you can determine whether a Pax is the real deal or a fake trying to cash in on the company’s brand.
Price
For starters, your point of purchase is important. If you’re buying directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller you’ll be fine. Otherwise, be very careful. If the price is well below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) that’s usually a sure giveaway that you’re staring at a counterfeit.
LED Display
The Pax has a small illuminated “X” or star-shaped LED on the front. With the real version the lens of this LED isn’t completely transparent, having a somewhat of a hazy appearance. On the fakes it is clear. A very subtle difference but one of many variables to check.
Exterior Shell
The exterior, or shell, is constructed from anodized aluminum and on the real ones it has somewhat of a sandpapery feel, which is to say it’s not completely smooth. On the fakes, the shell tends to be much smoother.
Embedded Screw On The Back
On the back of the unit, there’s an embedded screw that will help you differentiate between a real and a fake. On the real ones, the screw is a solid little hex screw. On the fakes, it’s not a perfect hex and has a slightly deeper and slightly less machined look to it. This screw is found between the logo and the “Designed in San Francisco” text on the back.
Text Style
The text itself, on the back, is also different. On the fakes, the “PAX by Ploom” is a bit more crisp – not as rounded, and the “X” part of the word PAX has more space in the middle. The “Designed in San Francisco” and “Assembled in China” text has a softer appearance on the real ones. On the fakes it looks like a rigid and uptight style of font.
Summary
As these differences can prove to be subtle to the untrained eye, those of us here at VapeGuide.com strongly suggest that you buy only from authorized retailers like this store. Otherwise, you run the risk of accidentally buying a fake. Pax Labs does not reimburse or refund purchases of counterfeits so if you buy one don’t expect to get any money back! Make sure you buy the real deal as the manufacturer does not cover fakes under warranty.
If you want to know more about the Pax, we suggest you take a look at our Pax Vaporizer review.